✅ Quick Answer: The fastest way to complete nursing prerequisites is through a combination of accelerated online courses (5-8 weeks), strategic course scheduling, and taking multiple courses simultaneously. Most motivated students can finish in 6-12 months.
Top Strategies for Fastest Completion
1. Enroll in Accelerated Online Programs
Accelerated online courses compress a full semester of material into 5-8 weeks. This is the single most effective way to speed up your timeline. Programs like StraighterLine offer self-paced nursing prerequisites that you can complete on your schedule, allowing you to finish multiple courses in the time it would normally take to complete one semester.
Advantages of accelerated online courses:
- Complete courses in 5-8 weeks instead of 16 weeks
- Self-paced learning allows you to work faster if you're motivated
- No fixed class schedules—study when you want
- Often more affordable than traditional colleges
- Accredited credits transfer to most nursing programs
2. Take Multiple Courses Simultaneously
Instead of taking one course per semester, take 2-3 courses at once. This dramatically reduces your timeline. However, be strategic about which courses you pair together.
Smart course combinations:
- Pair one difficult science (A&P) with easier general education (Psychology, English)
- Take Statistics with a non-science course
- Avoid taking Chemistry + Microbiology + A&P in the same term
3. Use Summer and Winter Sessions
Community colleges and universities offer condensed summer and winter courses. A typical summer session runs 6-8 weeks, allowing you to complete 1-2 courses during breaks. This adds 2-4 courses per year to your schedule without extending your overall timeline.
4. Test Out of General Education Courses
Use CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) exams to test out of general education prerequisites like Psychology, Sociology, or English Composition. You can earn college credit by passing an exam, eliminating weeks of coursework. Each CLEP exam costs around $89 and can save you 4-6 weeks per course.
5. Start with Prerequisites You've Already Studied
If you have recent science or math background from high school or prior college work, start there. You'll move faster through familiar material and build momentum. Save completely new subjects for when you have more time to dedicate.
Realistic Timeline Examples
Ultra-Fast Timeline (6 Months)
- Months 1-2: A&P I + Psychology (online, accelerated)
- Months 2-3: A&P II + English Composition
- Months 3-4: Microbiology + Statistics
- Months 4-5: Chemistry + Nutrition
- Month 6: Any remaining courses + TEAS prep
Moderate Timeline (12 Months)
- Semester 1: A&P I, Psychology, English I
- Semester 2: A&P II, Microbiology, English II
- Summer: Chemistry, Statistics
- Fall: Nutrition, remaining electives + TEAS
Critical Success Factors for Fast Completion
Be Realistic About Your Capacity
Rushing through prerequisites can backfire if you earn poor grades. Remember: nursing schools care more about strong grades than speed. A "C" in a science course completed in 6 months is worse than a "B" completed in 12 months. Aim for the fastest timeline where you can still earn B's and A's.
Minimize Other Commitments
If you're working full-time, completing prerequisites in 6 months is nearly impossible. Be honest about your capacity. Part-time work (10-15 hours/week) is manageable with accelerated courses. Full-time work requires extending your timeline to 12-18 months.
Choose Accredited Programs
Not all accelerated online programs are created equal. Ensure any program you choose is regionally accredited and that credits will transfer to your target nursing schools. StraighterLine is ACE-recommended and accepted by 180+ partner schools, making it an excellent choice for fast-tracked prerequisites.
Plan for the TEAS Exam
Even if you finish prerequisites quickly, you'll need time to study for the TEAS entrance exam (4-6 weeks of preparation). Factor this into your timeline. Don't rush through prerequisites only to take the TEAS unprepared.
Fastest Completion by Program Type
For ADN (Associate Degree Nursing) Students
Realistic fastest timeline: 6-9 months
ADN programs have fewer prerequisites than BSN programs, making faster completion more feasible. Focus on core sciences and skip optional humanities courses.
For BSN (Bachelor of Science Nursing) Students
Realistic fastest timeline: 12-18 months
BSN programs require more general education courses, making 6-month completion unrealistic. Plan for at least 12 months of focused study.
For ABSN (Accelerated BSN) Applicants
Realistic fastest timeline: 3-6 months
If you already have a bachelor's degree, you only need science prerequisites. This smaller list can be completed much faster, especially with online accelerated courses.
Common Mistakes That Slow You Down
- ❌ Taking too many difficult courses simultaneously
- ❌ Choosing programs that don't transfer to your target school
- ❌ Waiting too long to verify credit transfer policies
- ❌ Not using summer/winter sessions
- ❌ Retaking courses unnecessarily instead of moving forward
- ❌ Procrastinating on prerequisite planning
💡 Fast-Track Your Prerequisites with StraighterLine
StraighterLine offers self-paced, accelerated nursing prerequisites that you can complete in as little as 5-8 weeks per course. With affordable tuition, ACE-recommended credits, and acceptance at 180+ partner schools, StraighterLine is the fastest, most affordable way to complete your prerequisites and start nursing school sooner.